C135 PCS 7 (PCS7)
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Resolving WinCC IEC 61850 Communication Channel Licensing on Redundant OS Servers

Resolving WinCC IEC 61850 Communication Channel Licensing on Redundant OS Servers

To resolve IEC 61850 communication channel license rejections on redundant SIMATIC PCS 7 OS servers, ensure each redundant server possesses an independent hardware dongle, a valid local IEC 61850 channel runtime license, and an active WinCC Redundancy license package (6AV6371-1CF07-4AX0). In a redundant OS pair, channel drivers operate autonomously on both nodes to maintain hot standby. A single-station dongle will function on a standalone machine but fails in a redundant topology if license keys are not installed locally on each physical server via Automation License Manager (ALM) or if USB dongle drivers are missing.

Table of Contents

Architecture of Redundant IEC 61850 Communication in WinCC

The WinCC IEC 61850 communication channel integrates electrical substation automation devices, such as SIPROTEC 4 and SIPROTEC 5 protection relays (e.g., 7SJ80), into SIMATIC PCS 7 OS or WinCC SCADA systems. Communication is established over Manufacturing Message Specification (MMS) protocols mapped onto ISO-on-TCP (RFC 1006) networks.

In a high-availability redundant WinCC server configuration (Server 1 and Server 2), both servers run the IEC 61850 channel driver concurrently. Each server connects to the Ethernet substation ring and exchanges MMS report control blocks with intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). Redundancy synchronization is managed internally by the WinCC Redundancy component via the dedicated server-to-server interconnect.

Root Causes of Redundant Server License Rejection

When an IEC 61850 channel license functions correctly on a standalone workstation but is rejected on redundant servers, the failure typically stems from three specific licensing and architecture discrepancies:

  1. Missing WinCC Redundancy License: Redundant servers require the WinCC Redundancy software package (6AV6371-1CF07-4AX0) on both machines. If redundancy mode is activated in the WinCC project properties but the redundancy license is missing or expired, WinCC enters demo mode, which cascades into communication channel validation faults.
  2. Dual Independent Dongle Requirement: IEC 61850 channel licenses protected by hardware USB dongles (such as SafeNet / HASP keys) cannot be shared across the network between redundant servers. Each physical server hardware chassis must have its own dedicated USB dongle plugged into a local USB port.
  3. Missing or Blocked Sentinel/HASP Dongle Drivers: In virtualized server environments or Windows Server 2008 R2 systems running terminal services or restricted user profiles, the dongle driver service may fail to bind to the channel process, causing the channel runtime to report missing authorization.

Step-by-Step Licensing and Configuration Workflow

Follow these engineering steps to validate and activate the IEC 61850 channel on both redundant OS servers:

  1. Verify Local Automation License Manager (ALM) Keys:
    - Open ALM on OS Server 1 and OS Server 2.
    - Verify that each server holds a valid local license key for WinCC Server (6AV6371-1CA07-4AX0), WinCC Redundancy (6AV6371-1CF07-4AX0), and the corresponding IEC 61850 channel license.
  2. Install Hardware Dongles Locally:
    - Insert Dongle #1 directly into Server 1; insert Dongle #2 directly into Server 2.
    - Open Device Manager and verify the HASP/Sentinel USB device is recognized without warning symbols.
  3. Synchronize OS Project Configuration:
    - Open SIMATIC Manager on the Engineering Station (ES).
    - In the OS Server project, open WinCC Explorer and inspect Redundancy settings.
    - Verify that the redundant partner server computer name and synchronization network connection are configured.
  4. Compile and Download OS:
    - Execute an OS compile from the ES to ensure both server targets receive identical tag and connection definitions.
    - Download the target OS project to Server 1 and Server 2 respectively.

Comparison of Standalone vs Redundant IEC 61850 Licensing

The table below details the hardware and software licensing requisites across architectures:

System ParameterStandalone OS StationRedundant OS Server PairRequired OS LicenseWinCC Single Station (6AV6381-2BM07-4AX0)WinCC Server (6AV6371-1CA07-4AX0) per serverRedundancy LicenseNot ApplicableWinCC Redundancy (6AV6371-1CF07-4AX0) on both serversIEC 61850 Channel Dongle1 Hardware USB Dongle2 Identical Hardware USB Dongles (1 per server)ALM Channel License Key1 Local License Key2 Independent License Keys (1 per server)MMS Connection CapabilitySingle active MMS polling linkConcurrent dual MMS links with active switchoverFault Behavior without LicenseDemo mode popup after timer expiryChannel shutdown / unacknowledged demo state

Verification

Confirm that licensing and communication are operational:

  1. Open Automation License Manager on each redundant server. Ensure all keys show status Valid without demerit flags or trial expiration timers.
  2. Start WinCC OS Runtime on Server 1 and Server 2.
  3. In the Windows System Tray or WinCC Explorer, right-click the WinCC Channel Diagnosis tool (WinCCChnDiag.exe).
  4. Navigate to the IEC61850 channel node. Confirm the status reports Ready or Connection OK with positive telegrams counted, and verify the absence of license error code 0x8004xxxx.
  5. Verify that process variables from the 7SJ80 relay update with green quality codes in runtime graphics.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Review the following technical constraints when engineering IEC 61850 communication in PCS 7:

  • No Dongle Floating: IEC 61850 USB dongles cannot be shared across a network license server. Network license virtualization solutions are unsupported by Siemens for real-time SCADA channel dongles.
  • VMware ESXi Pass-Through: If running virtualized OS servers, USB dongle pass-through must be dedicated to each virtual machine without dynamic vMotion migration, as disconnecting the USB bus drops the communication channel.
  • Commercial Procurement Guardrail: Distinguish runtime channel licenses, engineering licenses, and OS redundancy options. Never assume one server license covers a redundant partner.

Engineer FAQ

Can a single IEC 61850 USB dongle be shared between Server 1 and Server 2 in a redundant pair?

No. In a redundant WinCC OS server architecture, both servers run their communication channel drivers independently to guarantee bumpless hot-standby. Each server must have its own physical USB dongle and valid channel license installed locally.

What happens to the IEC 61850 channel when the WinCC Redundancy license is missing?

If the WinCC Redundancy license (6AV6371-1CF07-4AX0) is missing on either server, WinCC enters a non-licensed demo state. This suppresses redundant synchronization and can cause third-party communication channels to reject runtime initialization.

Does the IEC 61850 channel support Remote Desktop (RDP) sessions during licensing verification?

Certain versions of the Sentinel/HASP USB dongle drivers restrict license validation across active Windows Remote Desktop sessions. Initial license verification and diagnostic testing should be performed directly at the physical console or via administrative console sessions (mstsc /admin).

Technical References

Related Articles

Related Tags

  • WinCC V7.4
  • IEC 61850
  • OS Redundancy
  • ALM Licensing
  • SIPROTEC 7SJ80
  • PCS 7 V8.2
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